At least in the ‘developed’ world, I should correct, once we reach the tender age of 53, we still have 30 years to go.
We might not be consumed by ambition the same way than we were in our 30’s.
Many of us have no clue what we would do with our life if we had to change company or more drastically career tomorrow.
We do not know because we do not really think about it.
It might feel like being ready to fall off a cliff.
Carlo Strenger and Arie Ruttenberg look at The Existential Necessity of Midlife Change (Harvard Business Review, February 08) and tell us ‘roll up your sleeves—midlife is your best and last chance to become the real you‘ (first page free).
Was their title inspired by The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
Maybe work is overrated?
Defined by what you do for a living and nothing else?
Rather than being scared by all theses years staring at us, we could look at it as a blessing, find pleasure in simple things such as cooking a good meal for friends, seeing places rather than reading and dreaming about them or even watching the river flow at times.
Musing on Monday Work Etiquette #24
Previous: Speak Out! Voices of Dissent at Work?
Related: Just Over 50 and Not Dead Yet plus Stop Obsessing on Perfect Job, Slash
Yes, the Harvard Business Rev. is correct (for once!) Midlife is “your best and last chance to become the real you.” That’s what makes it so exciting. The Midlife Crisis Queen should know! Go see how she can help you survive and thrive through the toughest transitions you’ll ever love. Life is better when you finally know who you are!
Sincerely, The Queen